Redemption's Blade cover art

Redemption's Blade

After the War, Book 1

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Redemption's Blade

By: Adrian Tchaikovsky
Narrated by: Nicola Barber
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About this listen

Ten years ago, the renegade demigod known as the Kinslayer returned. His armies of monsters issued from the pits of the earth, spearheaded by his brutal Yorughan soldiers. He won every battle, leaving burnt earth and corruption behind. Thrones toppled and cities fell as he drove all before him.

And then he died.

A handful of lucky heroes and some traitors amongst his own, and the great Kinslayer was no more. Celestaine was one such hero and now she has tasked herself to correct the worst excesses of the Kinslayer and bring light back to her torn-up world. With two Yorughan companions she faces fanatics, war criminals, and the monsters and minions the Kinslayer left behind as the fragile alliances of the war break down into feuding, greed, and mistrust.

The Kinslayer may be gone, but he cast a long shadow she may never truly escape.

©2018 Rebellion (P)2018 Recorded Books Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Sword & Sorcery War

Critic reviews

“Great pace, compelling characters, some serious ethical arguments to make, and amazing action scenes. And it’s startlingly fun.” (Tor.com)
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In many ways this is the the sort of story that I wish more sequels had the courage to be. History never ends, the happily ever after still has consequences that need to be dealt with. I liked in this book the feeling the world is healing, but it's a hard work process and there are no convinient solutions. A nice balance between idealism and cinicism.

Very enjoyable

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I’ve been reading fantasy books on and off for close to fifty years and I can honestly say this book is the diamond that makes it worth all the stuff that turns out to be coal. If you want yet another Tolkien retread this may not light your candle but you should read it anyway. This book takes the very worn (to the point of being threadbare) Dungeons & Dragons riffs and themes and turns them upside down. For one thing, the story begins with the final battle against “ The Ultimate Evil” and goes on from there to gently dismantle all the entrenched heroic fantasy ideas in a way that would make Joe Abercrombie proud. Or Terry Pratchett for that matter (although it’s not a comedy book). I’ve read a number of Tchaikovsky’s books and they’re all high quality stuff but this is the first one for me that has veered from the SF genre and it was a fantastic surprise. I should also say the audiobook is beautifully read. This is currently free to members so there’s no good excuse not to get yourself some of this top fantasy action.

THIS is the way to do fantasy

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What a fantastic and fresh take on the classic fantasy adventure story, Redemptions Blade was fun, witty, and packed with emotional depth. Full of compelling characters, excellent world-building, and well-paced plot with graphically violent scenes of war. Redemptions Blade is the first book in the After The War series, and damn, it did not disappoint, well written, easy to follow, and keeps you intrigued and enthralled from the very first page. The war is over the Kinslayer is dead, a demigod, Celestaine is one of the heroes that destroyed him has tasked herself with correcting the worst excesses of the Kinslayer’s brief reign, bringing light back to a broken world. Some of the heroes of the battle want to rebuild the world, and some just want to hold onto the title of hero at any cost. It's a wonderful tale for any fantasy fan, and if you're a fan of Adrian Tchaikovsky's writing, you are in for treat. I very highly recommend...😁💙🗡🗡

Excellent Tale and Adventure

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Female hero after the war looking for purpose. An enjoyable story. Varied, likeable characters. A bit of philosophy about how to be satisfied with your life, good and bad not always clear cut, and how power over others gives you something when you don't have much. The readers voice was a bit pretty and sweet for a hero who has killed and maimed hundreds.

Female hero. Good story.

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None of the characters really grabbed me. The hero is supposed literally to be a hero but she comes across as quite whiny. As I often listen at bed time, there were parts I missed through falling asleep and nothing made me want to go back and catch up.

A bit bland for my taste

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